Statements: • All chairs are keys. • All keys are balloons. • Some balloons are mirrors. • Some mirrors are desks. Conclusions: I. Some desks are keys. II. Some balloons are mirrors. III. Some mirrors are balloons. Choose the option that must follow.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only II and III follow

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Two universal inclusions are followed by two existentials forming a direct equivalence. We check which consequences are guaranteed without assuming that the desk-mirror items are among the keys.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Chairs ⊆ Keys ⊆ Balloons.
  • ∃b_m ∈ Balloons ∩ Mirrors.
  • ∃m_d ∈ Mirrors ∩ Desks.


Concept / Approach:
II and III are the same overlap phrased both ways and are explicitly given by the premise “Some balloons are mirrors.” I would need that some Desk is also a Key via Mirrors, which is not required: not all Balloons are Keys, so a Mirror can be a Balloon without being a Key.



Step-by-Step Solution:
• II and III: Guaranteed by the existential premise.• I: Would require a Mirror that is both a Desk and a Key. The premises do not force that identity.



Verification / Alternative check:
Model the Balloons∩Mirrors element outside Keys; then II–III remain true while I fails.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They include I, which assumes a non-forced overlap.



Common Pitfalls:
Assuming mirrors that are balloons are also keys; that is not assured.



Final Answer:
Only II and III follow.

More Questions from Syllogism

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion